infusion – Team Hedgehog

Newsworthy

The Good News The second attempt for my CT scan was problem-free. The results show the lymph node shrunk again from 1.4 cm to 1 cm. The oncologist says ideally it would be .5cm, and it seems like we’re on track to reach that goal. Those kinds of results keep me optimistic when chemo sideContinue reading “Newsworthy”

In The Words of the Sage Jovi

“Woah we’re halfway there.” Round seven of chemo is history, and round eight is almost over. They’ve both been on the higher difficulty, but I’m still surviving. Neuropathy has been the biggest thorn in my side. Okay, not my side but my lips, throat, mouth in general, nose, eyes, and fingers. Winter is in fullContinue reading “In The Words of the Sage Jovi”

Dark Days Of Chemo

Days 4 through 6 are guaranteed to be miserable. My energy is sapped. My strength is good enough to go between my bed and the couch, or the couch to the car. My appetite is a joke. Usually, nothing much happens. I watch an absurd amount of TV and YouTube. I remind myself (and soContinue reading “Dark Days Of Chemo”

Pug Drama and Four Rounds Later

You’d think I’d have more posts two months in with all this free time. One, I was never good at regular deadlines which is the only reason I didn’t go into journalism for a living. Two, on good days I want to be up and moving, not on the computer. Three, on bad days IContinue reading “Pug Drama and Four Rounds Later”

Halloween and Chemo Day 2 and 3

Around the same time as when I got the news that Lupus came back, I would normally be ramping up Halloween costumes for my family. The thought of going to the same intense levels as my previous award-winning pieces while dealing with chemo, and not knowing how chemo would affect me, was heartbreaking. I toldContinue reading “Halloween and Chemo Day 2 and 3”

Natural Anthem and Day One of Chemo

I’m sitting next to a fire pit while a fountain with a lion head runs by a vine-covered wall. It’s this little oasis in Hollywood a few blocks from the stars on the sidewalks. Our hotel was remodeled after old-school movie magic, and I have the honor of using J. Garland’s room for a fewContinue reading “Natural Anthem and Day One of Chemo”

Chemo 101 Refresher

The Ood Ball (also known as the Holy Hand Grenade) is back! Why would I be so excited about having this thing attached to me for 48 hours? Because it’s not the pink pills from before that caused so much trauma/drama for us last time. Also, that fanny pack holding the Ood Ball is aContinue reading “Chemo 101 Refresher”